Youth Advocate

WorkSource Oregon; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkSource Oregon is seeking a Youth Advocate to support Portland-area youth through trauma-informed, client-centered services within schools and community settings.

The role emphasizes outreach, case management, and collaborative work with families, schools and partners to promote academic, social, and emotional well-being of youth in grades 6–12.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED and experience in human services or related field.
• Familiarity with SE/SW Portland cultures and communities.
• Ability to connect positively with adolescent youth and maintain relationships with schools and community partners.
• Strong written and oral communication; proficient with MS Office & Google Suite.

Responsibilities

• Travel to schools and worksites throughout Portland Metro.
• Deliver age-appropriate, trauma-informed programming and services.
• Interact effectively with a diverse population of volunteers, staff, and community members.
• Provide outreach and case management services.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with youth (grades 6–12) and their families.
• Support youth in academics, social, and emotional well-being; set goals in 1:1 or small groups.
• Create and update Individual Success Plans and assessments.
• Advocate for youth across school partners, parents, and community partners.
• Refer youth to school and community services as needed (tutoring, after-school, summer programs, clubs).
• Assist families with basic needs to reduce barriers to youth success; conduct home visits as needed.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Diversity sensitivity

Flexible scheduling

Transportation readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's in social work or related field

Tools

MS Office

Google Suite

Job description

Worksource Oregon is partnering with an employer who, for the last 60 years, has been dedicated to preventing homelessness by partnering with people on their journey to stability and opportunity. They are currently looking for qualified candidates for the position of Youth Advocate.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma/GED
• Minimum 2 years experience in a human services, social work or related field, preferably working with low-income youth
• Familiarity with SE/SW Portland cultures and communities
• Connect positively with adolescent youth
• Maintain and foster relationships with school and community partners
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Familiarity with MS Office & Google Suite
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and can prioritize and complete multiple/varied tasks
• Sensitivity and relate to people from diverse lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, and cultures
• Valid Driver License, up-to-date Vehicle Insurance Coverage, and reliable transportation
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and occasional weekends

PREFERENCES

• Associate degree or Bachelors degree in social work, child development or related field

JOB DUTIES:

• Travel/drive to various schools and worksites throughout Portland Metro
• Implement and deliver age-appropriate, trauma-informed, client-centered programming and services
• Working knowledge of best practices for prevention and intervention services for issues related to poverty, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, family dysfunction and school challenges
• Effectively interact with a diverse population of volunteers, staff, and community members
• Provide outreach and case management services
• Form, maintain and foster positive relationships with youth, grades 6th through 12th grade, and their families
• Support youth in academics, social, and emotional well-being that include but are not limited to: meeting 1:1 and/or small group settings to set goals; challenges and barriers youth are facing; exposure to education and career opportunities; skill building
• Create, review, and update youth's Individual Success Plan, comprehensive needs and strengths assessment
• Advocacy to ensure youth's overall success in and out of school includes, but is not limited to: meeting with school partners (teachers, counselors, support staff), parents and/or community partners; class observations
• Connect/refer youth to other school and community services as needed, which includes but not limited to academic tutoring, after-school and summer programs, school clubs, affinity groups, and community support and events
• Supporting youth's family with basic necessities to lower barriers to youths' overall success that include but are not limited to: home visits, rental and utilities assistance, food and clothing resources, attending school/parent meetings with youth and their family
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of services